Commentary

03.16.16

As an employee of the ACLU, sometimes talking about my job can be a challenge. Those who have heard of the ACLU tend to associate us with “crazy liberals,” defending the KKK, or being anti-Christian. These are not the easiest associations to shed. The ACLU is a nonpartisan organization that specifically avoids aligning itself with… more »

03.04.16

“Love is love” was the refrain we heard last year as gay marriage became legal in the United States. Unfortunately, love is not protected in fair housing. LGBTQ Renters in Cuyahoga County Face Persistent Discrimination In the majority of states in the U.S., sexual orientation and gender identity are not protected classes, meaning housing providers… more »

02.26.16

Last year thousands of Ohio students were restrained or secluded in school, placing them at risk of injury and trauma. This happened despite a rule that was put in place specifically to stop this practice. In 2013, upon the urging of Disability Rights Ohio, the ACLU of Ohio, and other advocates, the Ohio Department of… more »

02.19.16

For years, the story has been the same. Its plot involves unnecessary stops, disproportionate responses, and inexcusable use-of-force. People of color in Cleveland, and cities like it across the country, have become intimately familiar with this narrative. Police enforce the law in different ways depending on who they are policing. And how does this story… more »

02.16.16

Beginning in the 1970’s, Switzerland faced a surge in heroin abuse much like the one we are seeing now in Ohio. Then, as now, the surge devastated families and communities, and was accompanied by increased crime, homelessness, overdose deaths and increased rates of HIV infection. Year after year of harsh criminal penalties had no effect.… more »

02.12.16

There are plenty of powerful arguments against the use of the death penalty. The frequency of wrongful convictions, the massive financial burden on states, and the moral qualms against government-sanctioned murder are a few of the most common. A study released earlier this year by Frank Baumgartner of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill… more »

02.08.16

Even though our state plays such a huge role in determining the direction of one of the most powerful countries in the world, voters remain disengaged, especially in primary elections. According to data from the Ohio Secretary of State, the average voter turnout in primary elections since 1986 is about 28.55 percent. In Ohio’s last… more »

02.05.16

If a person living with HIV in Ohio is convicted of a crime, they may automatically receive a harsher sentence just because they have HIV. These punishments are applied without regard to the facts of how HIV can be spread. Even worse, they actively hinder efforts to prevent new infections. HIV Criminalization Laws Ignore Science… more »

02.03.16

The ACLU of Ohio’s groundbreaking film “Prisons for Profit” has been recognized as one of the top documentaries in 2015 by an international audience. Most recently, the film has been selected as the Silver Award Winner in the 2015 Spotlight Documentary Film Awards. This is the film’s second award, after receiving the Bronze Prize by… more »

01.29.16

Police body worn cameras are now a reality in Ohio. Law enforcement rapidly continues to purchase and use them, and before we know it they will be an afterthought as part of everyday policing. Striking a Balance Body cams are also a complex issue for organizations like the ACLU of Ohio because they raise issues… more »